What is the difference between certain and sure

The word certain when used as an adjective usually means that an individual is completely confident about something. This is mostly used for positive statements and conveys a higher degree of confidence than the word sure. Also, it is more often used in formal language and h as a definite sense. Let us use the same example used above to understand the difference. When we I am certain that I locked the door rather than saying I am sure I locked the door, it seems to display a higher degree of confidence.

In this sense, the word certain conveys absolute confidence and reliance from the part of the speaker. Ask Question. Asked 7 years, 4 months ago. Active 4 years, 1 month ago. Viewed 30k times. What is the difference between certain and sure? I do not understand the grammatical differences between them.

Improve this question. No, they're not. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. I'm certain I left my mobile at home. Improve this answer. Community Bot 1. It is almost unbelievable that some people here said that the two mean the same. In these and many other examples from Cambridge, the two words are interchangeable: Are you absolutely certain that you gave them the right number? I feel certain that you're doing the right thing. I'm sure that I left my keys on the table.

I feel absolutely sure that you've made the right decision. Hello, teachers! In these sentences, can I use either 'certain' or 'sure'? Thank you very much. Best Regards. Original Post. RM Rachel, Moderator Member. In both your sentences, "certain" is appropriate. B: That she loves Martin is certain not sure. But I think she wants to travel a lot before settling down to marriage. A more natural, less formal way to state this would be, "It's certain not sure that she loves Martin.

Is that definite? B: Yes. It's certain not sure that Goody's restaurant will be closing next week. This is the more natural, less formal construction of the sentence starting with a noun clause with "that": "That Goody's restaurant will be closing next week is certain not sure.

Examples: "There where serious objections to certain of the proposals. Sure as an adjective : Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable. Examples: "This investment is a sure thing. Examples: "He was sure she was lying. Examples: "Be sure to lock the door when you leave.

Examples: "Sure he's coming!